Cardinal plant?

[Lady Hobbs]

Anyone know anything about these plants. I just bought one but when I look cardinal plant up online I see bog plants with tall red flowers coming from the top of it. It looks nothing like what I have so I have to assume there are more than one plant of the same name.

[invadertoast]

I've seen those at Wal-Mart and Pet Quarters, and been wondering the same thing myself! I couldn't find any info. They look really cool but I didn't want to get one and find out it needs super bright lights or something.

[RichBowyer]

What you are finding online is the plant I know. It is a beautiful native flower in NA that prefers wet areas. I have no idea what ya got there Hobbs.

[RichBowyer]

http://www.aquabotanicstore.com/lobelia_cardinalis_p/pp02.htm

[RichBowyer]

Nice mid ground plant. This is the true dwarf version. Create a bed of round leafs in between groups of taller plants.


Moderate to bright light. Grows from a stalk that can be topped off and re-planted. C02 recommended. Is red/purple only above water. All green under water.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Lobelia cardinalis - native to North America. Likes medium to high light, low grower but easy. Max height is 9-12 inches.

[Lady Hobbs]

Mine is the one in the picture which are purple and green leaves (mostly purple) and it's been underwater. Didn't know they got that tall, tho. Says to plant in the foreground. Oh well. Guess if it grows big enough (before I kill it) I will just have to move it. I can see it was on a stalk, tho. Must be a stalk can be cut and replanted? Cool.

When I look up Lobelia cardinalis I see these tall bog plants with huge red flowers on stalks. Did I buy the wrong darned plant?

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Lady Hobbs]

OK. Something isn't right. It says this plant grows 4 ft tall.

LOL

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

As you know, aquatic plants have different structures when grown submersed. However there is also a 'Dwarf' variant of the plant as well. That maxes out at 4-8 inches. You probably have the Dwarf version.

http://www.aquaspotworld.com/index.php?time=1210477990&session=f59d2402a00c0ff484ea92abe2053663&module=product&action=productDetail&pid=299

[Lady Hobbs]

Thanks so much sweet thang' for finding that link and yes, that is what I have. Pretty, isn't it? I hope mine looks like that one someday.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

You are quite welcome.